Future LIS Students
We are committed to the power of iDEALs: Information, Diversity, Engagement, Access, and Libraries – creating a space for all to explore, connect, and engage with key library and information issues and leadership. Our accessible and knowledgeable faculty are available to advise you through each step of the educational process.
If you are considering applying to a program in the Department of Library and Information Studies (LIS), we are ready to guide you through the process and help you make an informed decision about your education. Our department comprises online and face-to-face degree options:
- Bachelor of Science in Information Studies (BSIS) – Employer demand for professionals in this field is on the rise. Professionals in this field will have a variety of settings in which they can be employed, such as financial firms, health care providers, and technology companies.
- Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) – Professionals in this field can earn more than $40,000 a year in professional positions, while serving communities and people in a dynamic environment.
- Licensure Opportunities – We also offer many Licensure opportunities where professionals can build on their current knowledge, skills, and abilities to practice a profession within a designated scope of practice.
Learn more about the programs that we offer by visiting our Academic Programs page, reviewing our insightful video on the MLIS program featuring Dr. Nora Bird, Director of Graduate Studies, and alumna Emmie Porter-Fyke, or attending an Online Information Session. Also, make sure to check out our LIS FAQs page to find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions specifically surrounding our programs.
Apply
Undergraduate Students – Navigate to http://admissions.uncg.edu/apply-applications.php, and simply follow the instructions listed there.
Graduate Students – Navigate to http://grs.uncg.edu/apply-online/, and simply follow the instructions listed there. Make sure to include the following in your application:
- Three reference names and contact information
- Official copy of all transcripts
- Personal Statement indicating why you have decided to enter the library profession, your professional goals, and why you have chosen this program.
- Professional Resume
For more information about our graduate program, please contact Dr. Nora Bird, Director of Graduate Study, at njbird@uncg.edu.
Application Deadlines:
- For Fall: June 15th
- For Spring: October 1st
- For Summer: April 1st
Financial Support
A variety of financial aid is available to students including assistantships and scholarships. Please review the information below carefully to learn more about available opportunities for financial support.
+ UNCG Financial Aid Office
Visit the university’s financial aid website to access the information and paperwork that needs to be completed for student loans and grants. Please see the Graduate School’s Financial pageand Employment Search page. Incoming students may apply for any departmental funding (Assistantships, Fellowships, Scholarships, or other Awards). Returning students may apply for any besides the M. Sangster Parrot Fellowship.
+ Assistantships
Please fill out the LIS Assistantship Application if you would like to be considered for a Graduate Assistant or Teaching Assistant position. Assistantships are available only for Fall admission, and the deadline to apply is February 28.
Graduate Assistants usually spend 20 hours per week on campus providing research, administrative, and/or general departmental assistance. GAs receive a stipend and a tuition waiver. Awards are typically for one year, and may be renewed. Applicants must be main campus students admitted to the University unconditionally; to be eligible for renewal, GAs must have maintained a B (3.0) average. Additional GA opportunities may also be available in the Teaching Resources Center; please contact trc@uncg.edu for more information.
Teaching Assistants will assist the instructor of record with LIS 200 (Information Use in a Digital World). This is an undergraduate, general education personal information management course, teaching basic information literacy and digital competence skills. Most students take the course in their sophomore year. The class meets one hour per week face-to-face on campus, and two hours per week asynchronously through Canvas. TAs will be required to assist with 2 sections per semester, and must be available to travel to campus twice per week to be in the classroom. Applicants must be admitted to the University unconditionally and enrolled by Fall, and have strong information literacy skills; previous teaching or training experience would be beneficial. TAs are paid a stipend for teaching 4 sections of LIS 200 each year (2 each semester).
Be aware that the stipend received by GAs and TAs will qualify as taxed income, and may affect your financial aid award, if you have one.
+ Departmental Scholarships
Students interested in being considered for a departmental scholarship should check the qualifications for each award to make sure they are eligible and complete the LIS Scholarship Application. Fall application deadline: April 15, Spring application deadline: October 15.
- The Mary Frances Kennon Johnson Scholarship
To be awarded annually to a student or students majoring in the field of Library Education/Instructional Media.
- The M. Sangster Parrott Fellowship
A fellowship for a student entering the Master of Library and Information Studies degree program at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
- The Helen Thayer Bowling Scholarship
The scholarship will benefit needy and deserving students of library science who (1) demonstrate financial need and (2) declare an interest in pursuing a course of study in library science.
- The H.W. Wilson Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship is to be used to attract potentially capable librarians to the profession who would not otherwise be able to choose this career.
+ iLEAD Fellows Program (International Librarians Enhancing Access and Development Fellows Program)
The Department of Library and Information Studies (DLIS) at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) invites applications from international students to its iLEAD Fellows Program. An iLEAD Fellow will be an international student taking the Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) Program and will serve as a Graduate Assistant.
+ National Scholarships
The ALA (American Library Association) Scholarship Program maintains a database of scholarships that are available on a competitive basis.
+ Job Opportunities
The University Libraries, employ a variety of staff in many different capacities including; public services, technical services, special collections, and electronic resources and information technology. Available positions can be found at the follow link: Job Opportunities at Jackson Library.
Additional job opportunities are available from out Job Listings page, a list of current announcements that have been share with our department.
All students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for any scholarship in which financial need is a requirement of the scholarship.
Students needing other financial aid should complete the forms obtained through the Financial Aid Office. You may contact the Financial Aid Office at 336.334.5702 or email: finaid@uncg.edu.
Visit the UNCG Cashiers and Student Accounts Office to see the most recent tuition and fee charges (these are subject to change).
Important Dates
With a highly interactive program, our faculty, staff, and students stay very active. Below you will find a list of important dates for member of the LIS Department’s.
Please also consider reviewing other important calendars here at UNC Greensboro: